It was a historic moment at the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square on Sunday May 18, as Pope Leo XIV began his pontificate officially, during an inauguration mass attended by world dignitaries including US Vice President JD Vance, Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky and over 150 thousand catholic faithful.
The inauguration mass followed the successful election of Pope Leo XIV, as the first American Pontiff on May 8, 2025 by the college of Cardinals.
He arrived at the St. Peter’s Square aboard the Popemobile greeting thousands of cheering pilgrims who had gathered for the inaugural ceremony. He then proceeded to pray at the tomb of Apostle Peter, connecting directly with the first Pope.
At the Mass, concelebrated by members of the college of Cardinals, Pope Leo XIV was presented by the Pallium Pope Leo XIV by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura. The Pallium is a woolen vestment symbolizing his role as Supreme. It also represents both his pastoral office and how he carries the Church upon his shoulders as the successor of St. Peter and visible head of the Catholic Church.
Also put on him was the Fisherman’s ring, which is a special gold ring bearing the image of St. Peter, the Pope’s name and the Papal seal. Cardinal Tagle put the ring on him.
In His inauguration homily, Leo XIV said, “I was chosen, without any merit of my own. Now, with fear and trembling, I come to you as a brother, who desires to be the servant of your faith and joy, walking with you on the path of God’s love, for He wants us all to be united in one family.”
He also called on the conflicting nations to seek for peace, keeping in mind the children and families that continue to suffer because of war. The Vatican had earlier showed its willingness to serve as a platform for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
“This is the hour for love! The heart of the Gospel is the love of God that makes us brothers and sisters. With my predecessor Leo XIII, we can ask ourselves today: If this criterion “were to prevail in the world, would not every conflict cease and peace return?” Pope Leo posed.
At the end of the ceremony, the pope greeted the delegations of heads of state, and later held a close door meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelensky.
